Boxing heavyweight promoters Frank Warren and Don King will clash in spirit if not in person when Coventry take on Bedford in the C&G Cup.

King has sponsored the game because his fierce rival Warren is a major backer of Premiership One opponents Bedford and has issued a typically flamboyant rallying call in his programme notes.

"I am sure we are going to be successful and march on to the final. As Churchill once said: "We will fight them on the beaches, air and see before we are glorious."

King will not be at the game – he will be in New York promoting the forthcoming heavyweight world title fight between Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis.

Second row Rob Salisbury has rejoined the club from Blackheath and comes straight into the side in place of Julian Horobin, who is out with a neck injury.

Rugby Lions take on glamour side Leicester Tigers at home on Sunday but the high-profile visitors will be without their England contingent who will be in action against Australia at Twickenham.